Prostate cancer support

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The Uro-oncology department offers  treatments and support for patients  with Prostate cancer.

Treatment options include;

  • Watchful monitoring
  • Radical Radiotherapy
  • Hormonal treatments (suppression or blocking of testosterone)
  • Chemotherapies
  • Radiotherapy for symptom control
  • Supportive therapies

You may have lots of questions regarding your treatments and potential side effects of treatment. We have put together the following information with the aim of supporting you whilst you receive treatment under our care.

Your Uro-Oncology team will be happy to answer any specific questions, provide further information and support.  Please contact the team, during normal office hours, on 01752 431524.

 

External Beam Radiotherapy

Diagram of the prostate glandThe prostate is a gland. It is usually the size and shape of a walnut and grows bigger as you get older. It sits underneath the bladder and surrounds the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine out of the body. The prostate's main job is to help make semen – the fluid that carries sperm.

Prostate Cancer begins when cells in the prostate develop changes in their DNA. The changes tell the cells to grow and divide more rapidly than normal cells do. The abnormal cells continue living, when other cells would die. The abnormal cells form a tumour that can grow to invade nearby tissue. In time, some abnormal cells can break away and spread (metastasise) to other parts of the body.

 

Radiotherapy Process

Radiotherapy aims to destroy prostate cancer cells whilst minimizing damage to the healthy cells in this area. Radiotherapy is delivered using a Linear Accelerator, a.k.a a LINAC, which is pictured below

Linear Accelerator machine used in Radiotherapy

CT Planning Scan

As part of the Radiotherapy process you will be asked to attend for a CT planning scan. This is not a diagnostic scan and is used solely for the purpose of planning your treatment.

Prior to your CT appointment you will receive two telephone consultation calls. Here we will ask you several questions about your bladder and bowel habits. These will help us identify any potential issues and help determine any changes that may need to be made ahead of your planning scan. As part of this phone call we will also explain the bladder and bowel preparation required prior to the CT planning scan and radiotherapy treatment. We urge you to follow any advice given as not doing so may lead to delays in your treatment.

On the day of your CT scan you can expect to be in the department for approximately 1.5 hours. At this appointment we will require you to carry out the preparation discussed over the phone.  When you have carried out the necessary prep you will be placed in the treatment position. This is the position that we require you to be in for all of your treatments. It is important that you are relatively comfortable and able to lay still for approximately 15 mins. Once we are happy that you are in a good position we will draw some reference marks on your pelvis. These are used during treatment to set you up in the correct position. Following your CT scan we will make these reference marks permanent by making small tattoos. After the scan you will be given a letter that details the specifics of your Radiotherapy preparation. Please carry this letter with you when you attend for your appointments to assist with your individual preparation. The planning process takes approximately 4 weeks from the date of your CT scan. Once your individual plan is ready you will be called back for your Radiotherapy treatment.

Radiotherapy Treatment

You will be on the treatment couch for approximately 15 mins. We will begin by positioning you using reference marks that will be made at your CT planning scan. Once we are happy that you are in the correct position we will leave the room. You are being watched throughout your treatment on CCTV so if you need us wave and we will come back into the room. We will take a CT scan initially to assess the treatment area the Dr has outlined. This scan will also enable us to assess how adequately prepped you are. If we are not satisfied with the position of your prostate, bladder, rectum or small bowel we may need to get you off the treatment bed to re-prep. If we are happy with everything we will proceed with treatment. The machine will move around you delivering radiation. There is nothing to feel or see. When you have had your treatment you will be able to go home.

 

Exercise and combatting fatigue

There is growing evidence to support the role of physical activity during and after cancer treatment to help manage some of the side effects of prostate cancer treatment and aid recovery after cancer treatment. It can also help with feelings of anxiety or depression. Adopting a fit and healthy lifestyle can also reduce the risk of developing other long term health conditions.

Being active is important for prostate cancer because it...

  • Improves cognitive function

  • Improves cancer-related fatigue

  • Improves cardiovascular fitness

  • Improves quality of sleep

  • Helps sexual function 

  • Helps manage depression and anxiety

  • Helps bone health and joint pain

In partnership with Plymouth Marjons University we have produced a short fitness video for you to do from the comfort of your own home. The exercises have specifically been designed for gentleman that have little or no experience of exercise or haven’t exercised in some time. The exercises can be done sitting or standing so you can adapt them to suit your ability.

Try to attempt this video at least twice a week and this will help improve muscle strength, balance and co-ordination. Don’t forget…wear loose clothing and keep some water handy and if you are using a chair to exercise, chose one that is stable, solid and without wheels.

Watch mobility exercises from The Mustard Tree, Macmillan Cancer Support Centre

Exercises and physical activity can particularly help counteract some of the side effects experienced whilst on hormone therapy such as;

  • Fatigue

  • Low mood

  • Weight gain/ breast tenderness

  • Hot flushes

  • Loss of libido

  • Bone thinning/muscle loss/ strength loss

Watch our video about the benefits of exercise whilst on hormone therapy

 

Your sex life and erectile function

Prostate cancer treatments can effect your libido, erectile function, ejaculation, sexual function, ability to have an orgasm confidence and change in penile appearance. Here at Derriford we run an erectile function clinic offering a range of treatments to help get your sex life back on track. Please get in contact if you would like a referral to this clinic. Below is a range of information and sources online in relation to prostate cancer and your sex life.

True North, Prostate Cancer UK and the University of Ulster have designed an online self-management resource for people living with prostate cancer. It is a resource to undertake in your own home that includes information, support and exercises to help manage the sexual wellbeing effects of prostate cancer.

  • It provides personalised self-management strategies based on your treatment, relationship status and sexual orientation. 

  • It also includes information & support for partners as well as videos from men, partners and healthcare professionals.

  • This workshop can be accessed pre-treatment, post-treatment and beyond.

  • There is specialised support for single, black, & younger men; and those receiving palliative care.

  • Include tips, advice and information that can be printed and saved for you to keep.

Go to the resource Sex and Intimacy After Prostate Cancer

Other prostate cancer support

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